IP Ratings

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September 12, 2015

The Ingress Protection (IP) Code outlines a system of classification for the protection of electrical enclosures against the intrusion of foreign bodies ( i.e. tools, fingers, dust, etc. ) and moisture.

The system of classification was specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission and is officially designated as IEC 60529. The rating is specified by the letters IP followed by two digits i.e. IP25, IP67, etc.

First Number – Degree of Ingress Protection

The first number of the IP code indicates the degree of protection against contact with moving parts and the degree that the equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure.

Second Number – Degree of Moisture Protection

The second number indicates the degree of protection for the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.)

0 – No protection provided.

1 – Protection against drops of water falling vertically.

2 – Protection against drops of water falling vertically when the light assembly is tilted up to 15 degrees from its normal position.

3 – Protection from entry of water spray from angle of up to 60 degrees from vertical.

4 – Protection from entry of water splashes or spray from any direction.

5 – Protection from a low pressure jet of water in any direction.

6 – Protection against heavy seas or a strong jet of water in any direction.

7 – Protection against immersion up to 1 meter.

8 – Protection against submersion over 1 meter.

For example IP67 means complete protection against entry of water when submersed in up to 1 meter of water.

IP69K

The IP69K rating provides protection against ingress of dust and high temperature, high pressure water (protected from steam-jet cleaning) – making products with this certification ideal for use in conditions where equipment must be carefully sanitized.

This does not include submersion of water (like IP67). Instead, IP69k provides protection against water pressure from steam-jet cleaning, proven to be durable and resistant against water, chemicals, high pressure, and high temperatures associated with demanding cleaning and safety measures.

In order to bear an IP69K rating, products must endure rigorous procedures to test protection against penetration of high-pressure, high-temperature water and dust. One challenge, the water intrusion test, is conducted by placing the product on a turntable that rotates every 12 seconds (5 rpm) and spraying 176 F water from 4-6 in. at a flow rate of 4 gal per minute. The water pressure is between 1160-1450 psi and is sprayed at angles of 0, 30, 60, and 90 deg for 30 seconds each.

About Us

Founded in 1935 by John W. Speaker, J.W. Speaker Corporation is focused on developing innovative, high-performance vehicular lighting solutions for OEM and aftermarket customers around the world. We specialize in LED & other emerging lighting technologies and proudly design, manufacture & assemble our products in Germantown, Wisconsin.